Your Ultimate Destin 30A Vacation Guide

The Destin 30A area is one of the most popular vacation destinations on the Gulf Coast. If you are planning a vacation to the Destin or 30A area, we have you covered! This guide features where to stay, what to do around town, and more. This will be your go-to resource for your vacation or staycation!

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Tips for 30A

Each beach town along 30A is unique. It is one of the coolest parts of the area! Here is a little bit about the vibe in each town.

Inlet Beach 

Inlet Beach is on the far east end of 30A. It’s convenient because it’s a bit off the beaten path and on HWY 98. You will see new shops, restaurants, and still some cozy beach cottages.

Rosemary Beach 

Rosemary Beach is like a little European town right here in Florida. Stunning architecture, family-friendly events, and great walking paths.

Seacrest Beach

Seacrest is eclectic and right next to Rosemary Beach. You will find fun shops and great restaurants!

Alys Beach

You will know you are in Alys Beach once you pass the iconic white pillars that flank both sides of the town. In Alys Beach you will find white architecture everywhere with fun pops of colors on shutters and doors. This is a truly elegant beach town!

Seagrove Beach

Seagrove sits next to Seaside and is filled with several popular spots to eat + shop. 

Seaside 

Seaside is the center of 30A and what most people think about when they think of 30A! It has the cutest town center with a photo worthy post office. You can walk the streets and see idyllic pastel beach cottages. You can even find the Truman Show house!

Watercolor

Watercolor is a high-end beach town next to Seaside. You will fall in love with the street lamp lined streets + boardwalks. 

Grayton Beach

The most laid back beach town on 30A! Known for being pet friendly, having fun hand painted signs, and gorgeous dune lakes. 

Blue Mountain Beach 

This is on the west end of 30A. Blue Mountain Beach tends to be quieter which makes it popular for families. It has wide biking paths and great beach access points.

Tips for Destin

There are a ton of options in terms of where to stay in Destin! Here are some things to consider when you are researching: 

+Beach Access: If you aren’t staying at a condo with beach access, you will need to look into where your closest access points are. Make sure to take note of that especially if your group are big fans of the beach!

+Will you have a car? Most people like having a rental car in Destin unless you plan to spend most of your time at your rental home/condo. If you would rather not have a car you can plan for ride share cost. 

+Neighborhood vs Condo: There are several developments where you can easily rent a condo. There are also many airbnb options in neighborhoods. Depending on your group and your preferences, it is nice to have choices!

+Here are some specific areas to look into: 

Fort Walton Beach / Okaloosa Island

Miramar Beach

Crystal Beach

Holiday Isle

Sandestin

Harborwalk Village

Our Glassblowing Studio offers a variety of glass workshops and classes for all ages. We introduce participants to the exciting world of glass art, allowing them to create unique, hand-crafted pieces. We focus on the three main types of glasswork: Furnace Glassblowing, Fusing, and Flamework. Our hands-on creative approach brings out the best in each participant, regardless of age or experience.

At Big Fish Bike and Beach Rentals, we’re committed to helping you uncover the magic of the Emerald Coast at your own pace, connecting with nature and our community in a way that only being outdoors can provide.

We supply everything you’ll need to make your vacation truly memorable….bicycles, beach chair service, paddle boards, and beach bonfires. No need to worry about packing everything up, Big Fish Bike and Beach Rentals delivers everything to your rental property the day you arrive, and picks it up after your departure (for free!).

Join the local surf & paddle board community for a morning dose of “Gulf Therapy.” Let’s tackle mental health issues with a simple recipe – saltwater, sun and sand. Paddle out with the community on the first and third Friday of each month in Grayton Beach at 7am to connect with others and embrace the healing qualities of the Gulf. This is intentional paddling with a purpose. Our goal is to provide a platform to help people both on and off the water. When someone needs a little more support, we can align them with local mental health and wellness specialists and pay for that service. As a certified 501c3 non-profit, your donations go directly to the South Walton community we serve and can also be a tax write off. 

We are your one stop shop for beauty treatments at the beach! Conveniently located right on Hwy 98 just minutes from the beach towns of 30A. Facials. Waxing. Spray tans. Lashes. And more! You can book online or shoot us a text at 850-641-0200

We’re passionate about bringing families together to make memories on these 30A beaches. We operate with excellence in all that we do and we’re constantly focused on growing and improving so that we can provide you with the best experience imaginable.

We offer beach bonfires, chairs & umbrellas, and stand-up paddle board rentals along Hwy 30A from Dune Allen to Inlet Beach. Give us a call today or book online. See you on the beach!

Founded in 2023, we are a proud, woman-owned family business deeply devoted to our craft. Our aim is to make your vacation even more special than you envisioned. We are committed to our business and ensuring that every customer is treated like family.

Discover the ultimate companion for exploring Florida’s scenic routes – our street legal golf carts are your perfect ride along 30A! If you haven’t found what you’re seeking, don’t hesitate to contact us. Elevate your vacation experience with us – we’ve got you covered and can’t wait to enhance your journey! 

Picture yourself gliding along 30A in a breezy, cozy golf cart, soaking up the stunning vistas and refreshing Gulf breeze! Pause for a refreshing swim in the pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico, savor delectable dishes at acclaimed eateries, indulge in a shopping spree at charming boutiques, and unwind at a beachside bar with live music as the sun dips below the horizon. Experience all this and beyond along the enchanting 30A! We’re deeply passionate about our slice of paradise and eager to ensure your vacation is unforgettable!

Originally starting in only 48 square feet of space in 1993, Pickle’s has grown up, and is a favorite of the locals and tourists alike, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. When Pickle’s first opened, the menu consisted of hotdogs, beer and, of course, pickles. Today the All American burger joint by the beach is known for it’s Patty Melt, the Triple Decker Club Sandwich, Hand Cut Fries, Locally Sourced Ice Cream for Hand-spun Milkshakes and of course its Famous Fried Pickles! 

Located right on the Seaside Central Square, Pickle’s offers some of the best people watching in town. Grab a spot under the shade from the umbrellas to enjoy a hand-craft cocktail and the soft Gulf breeze while you relax in the heart of 30A.

Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs is a unique and cool Airstream trailer on Airstream Row in Seaside, Florida. Wild Bill’s faces 30A and serves up gourmet-American Wagyu all beef hotdogs on a toasted New England style bun.

Established in April 2011, Wild Bill’s has always offered an array of delicious dogs accompanied by Brauhaus jumbo soft pretzels, served up with your choice of queso, mustard or caramel sauce! Wild Bill’s also opens for breakfast at 8am daily – all year round to serve up homemade Kolaches, a breakfast sausage baked to perfection in a sweet and soft dough. 

The Shrimp Shack sits atop the natural, rolling Gulf dunes in Seaside, Florida, just waiting for you and your family to visit. You can dine outside under an umbrella-covered table facing 30A or go beachside and sit on the Seaside boardwalk (Gracie’s Way); no doubt you’ll enjoy sparkling beach waves for an experience you’ll long remember.

Choose from fresh Steamed Gulf Shrimp by the pound or ice-cold Gulf Oysters on the half shell. Our beloved Steamed Lobster Roll accompanied by a bottle or glass of wine from our ever-changing and impressive wine list is destined to be a most satisfying lunch or dinner. The Shrimp Shack has added many non-seafood items as well as extended the Kid’s Menu to the whole family can enjoy! Try the homemade Mac ‘N Cheese, you wont regret it!

Take a walk through Seaside, Florida until you see the bright blue awning and giant triple-scoop ice cream cone in front of It’s Heavenly! The central location in this breezy beach town makes it the perfect place to pop in on a bright, sunny day for something delightful.

Classic southern ice cream flavors, locally made Italian gelato and sorbet, house-made strawberry shortcakes and gourmet cookies from our friendly shop beckon a sweet tooth for miles. Cool off with a hand-spun milkshake of your flavor choice and enjoy its smooth, light texture topped with whipped cream and a cherry!

More than a million satisfied customers have spread the word about our tantalizing treats since Dawson’s Yogurt opened its doors on July 4th, 1988. The most tempting tastes in specially formulated frozen yogurt, locally-sourced soft serve ice cream, ICEE’s , homemade fudge are waiting for you and your family at our confectionary corner nestled in the heart of Seaside, Florida.

Pickle’s Sandbar was born during a discussion on the future of “Seaside’s South 30A.” The exciting new buildings and restaurants joining our side of the street paved the way for an expansion of Pickle’s.  The location for Pickle’s Sandbar was easy. We couldn’t be more excited to introduce the “toes-in-the-sand, cocktail-in-hand” experience the guests of Seaside have been missing. Handcrafted cocktails, ice cold draft and canned beer, frozen drinks perfect for the beach, and a carefully curated wine list await you at Pickle’s Sandbar! The Pickle’s experience is now even more elevated than before! We can’t wait to serve you our phenomenal food, drinks, and memories! 

Two college sweethearts turned restauranteurs in 2005 – family owned and operated ever since! We are known for our stellar outdoor live music, the sweetest staff, pet-friendly patio, fresh juiced mason jar mimosas, and of course our famous breakfast & brunch dishes like Lobster Gouda Grits, Summertime French Toast, Fresh Gulf Red Snapper and Grits, and more!

Seating is first come first serve. Help reduce wait times during peak hours by joining our LIVE waitlist the morning of on YELP before arriving.

Indoor and outdoor seating is available; In the winter: outdoor dining includes heaters, blankets, and live music on weekends. In the summer: outdoor dining includes daily live music, fans, shade, and complimentary water and a treat for your pup!

North Beach Social is a beach restaurant and bar located at the foot of the 331 bridge in Santa Rosa Beach on the Choctawhatchee Bay. It’s a place to gather with friends and family, without any worries. Let the kids play while you kick back and relax. Guests order from the counter and bar and enjoy beach games, toys and plentiful seating in a very laid back atmosphere. On the menu are some of Chef Jim Shirley’s most famous dishes, like Grits á Ya Ya, The Bomber Burger, as well as fresh oysters, Tuna Poké Bowls and much more. North Beach Social is open Monday-Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., with breakfast Saturdays and Sundays 8:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. See you at the (North) beach!

Down Island is one of our area’s only chef-owned and family-operated restaurants.

We are a modern casual restaurant serving primarily Gulf South cuisine. We are driven by technique and like to allow the ingredients to speak for themselves. Our menu features elevated regional favorites, wood-fired Gulf seafood, various raw bar selections, a full bar, and, of course, kid-friendly options! Our owner, Stefani, is also a dietitian, so you can expect plenty of options for non-seafood lovers and accommodations for those with special diets, as well.

Down Island is open daily for lunch (11 am-3 pm), happy hour (3-5 pm) and dinner (5-9 Sun-Thurs, 5-10 pm Fri-Sat). We also offer brunch on Sundays beginning at 10 am. Starting this fall, Down Island also features late night music every Friday from 10 pm-1 am, with the kitchen staying open until 12 am and the bar open until 2 am. Every Wednesday we offer trivia/music bingo from 5-7 pm provided by Super Good Trivia in our upstairs space, Ocean’s Loft.

Whether you are just coming off the beach for a quick bite or are dressing up for a special occasion, all are welcome at Down Island!

Chef William Farrington, voted Best Chef of the Emerald Coast in 2022, hosts an intimate and immersive dining experience at M&P featuring sophisticated American food in an American Omakase style. 

Why American food? Generally, nobody knows what American food is, or they assume it’s Meat and Potatoes. If you go to a fine dining restaurant in this country, it is usually Asian influenced, or Italian, or French. In almost every culture around the world, food is fundamental to people’s identity; it tells the story of who they are and where they are from. In most parts of America, we don’t identify food with that same ancestral connection. That is something we at M&P don’t understand.

We have every possible climate zone and terroir here in this country to harvest some of the best food in the world. Yes, we have a lot of meat and potatoes. Our goal is to show people what those foods are capable of, what they pair well with, and to hopefully inspire a community to think about American food as something we should be proud of. Our vision is to present food to people that they are familiar with, but elevate it in ways that showcase the ingredient in its simplest form, and in its most versatile. 

Depending on the time of year that you are visiting, your packing plan will change. But here are some tips from local moms to help! 

Pack layers! We are in the panhandle so it can be unpredictable weather, especially in the Winter/Spring. Oftentimes we have cooler mornings + evenings, but it can still get really warm during the day. So layers are smart.

If you are visiting in the Summer, prepare for rain. Most of the time it’s just for a short period during the day and then passes. 

Pack some inexpensive sand toys or plan to grab some at a local shop. 

Don’t forget sunscreen!

Not a packing tip, but if you are coming in the Winter or Spring… try to get an airbnb that gets you access to a heated pool. Although, let’s be serious… your kids will probably jump in even if it’s ice cold  

During the busy months (spring break, the summer, holidays), the beach can get really busy. Head to the beach in the morning and/or at dinnertime. It’s more family friendly at those times and can tend to be really busy mid-day. 

Here are a few things to pack or grab once you are in town!

Tru Flask is passionate about helping families enjoy the outdoors. They have a saying; ‘Living is more than working and spending’, which is why they are committed to offering environmentally-conscious tumblers at affordable prices. They worked hard to design their tumbler to be the perfect companion from beach trips, running errands, work travel, or simply just staying hydrated in the Florida heat.

A couple of years ago, Tru Flask launched their 40oz insulated tumbler. They are available in multiple colors, fit in your cupholder perfectly, and truly keep your drinks cold all day long. Three major bonuses? They are in stock (no wait lines), they DON’T LEAK (we will share more on this in a second), and you can even customize them with a logo or saying. Isn’t that so cool?! You can get some custom tumblers made for your family or girls trip!

Ok, let’s chat about the no leaking thing! You simply take out the straw and plug the air gasket. Then it’s safe to throw in your beach bag or purse! This is a game changer for heading to the beach or pool (or on an airplane!).

Check out more about their everyday tumbler here: WATCH VIDEO

And don’t miss learning about one of the ways they give back to kids with their Tru Flask Adventure Club here: WATCH VIDEO

Beach Puddle is here to enhance family beach time and bring the water to the babies, so you can relax and they can enjoy the beach too. We’re a small family owned and run business that came about creating this beach pool for our own grandchildren. 

We are a family owned and operated, small-batch gourmet popcorn company. We use non-gmo corn, pop in coconut oil and top with bold flavors. We offer dozens of flavor options from classic to unique, certain to please any popcorn lover! 

Grab some from a farmers market to enjoy while you are at the beach!

There are lots of delicious, cold treats to choose from along 30a! And truly, there isn’t much better than a cold treat after a long hot day at the beach. We compiled a list of our top cold treats on 30a for you…enjoy! 

When the weather is as beautiful as ours usually is, eating out is a must! We polled our amazing contributors on the best outdoor dining options in Destin/30A, and this is what they shared. There is something for everyone on this list: fancy, casual, kid friendly, and more!

A rainy day is always a bummer on your Destin or 30A vacation. Heck, it’s even a bummer for locals on a rainy weekend. But don’t fear, here are some of our favorite ways to spend a rainy day!

Here are some more of our favorite places to explore!

Breakfast

Crackings

Cowgirl Kitchen

Black Bear Bread Co

Cafe Destin 

2 Birds Cafe

Coffee

Sunrise Coffee Co

Black Bear Bread Co

Hotz Coffee

Beachy Bean

Amavida

Southern Charm

East Pass Coffee Co

The Palms Coffeehouse

Shops

Gulf Place

Seaside Shops

Rosemary Beach Merchants

30Ave

Grand Boulevard 

Destin Commons

Baytowne Wharf

Harborwalk Village

Looking for some free things to do around 30a?? Maybe you are a local, maybe you come here every year, or maybe you are here visiting for the first time. Either way, it is always fun to find more things to do around town! Check out some of our favorite free things to do around 30a! 

Red flag (and double red flag) days can throw a bit of a wrench in your beach plans during your Destin or 30A beach vacation. While they aren’t necessarily fun, they are definitely for your safety. So it’s important to follow the rules and we are here to help. Here are some ideas for things to do on a red flag day.

Every month we highlight local events in a round up on our site. We also share them weekly on our social media! Check them out on our Instagram.